Government approves draft law for restoring free river flow and preserving their water content

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law aimed at restoring the free flow of rivers, preserving their water content and improving the condition of water bodies in line with European environmental requirements.

The document provides for the creation of a mechanism to identify structures that obstruct the natural flow of rivers. This primarily concerns hydraulic structures that negatively affect the state of rivers and aquatic ecosystems. The draft law also simplifies the procedure for registering such structures and making decisions on their further use or dismantling.

Particular attention is paid to the issue of environmental flow – the minimum volume of water required for the normal functioning of river ecosystems, maintaining water quality and preserving water resources.

The draft law also clarifies the powers of authorities in implementing river basin management plans.

“Today, the preservation of river water content and the restoration of their free flow is one of the key issues for Ukraine’s water security. Excessive regulation of rivers leads to the degradation of ecosystems, deterioration of water quality and depletion of water resources. Our task is to create a modern system of water resources management that meets European approaches and ensures a balance between ecological needs and the needs of communities,” noted Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

The draft law was developed by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture in implementation of the Government’s action plan for the comprehensive solution of problems in the Ros River basin for 2024–2030. Its adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will be an important step towards restoring river ecosystems, enhancing water security and adapting Ukraine’s water sector to European environmental standards.

One of the main problems in the water sector today remains the condition of small rivers. More than 30% of surface water bodies are under negative impact due to regulation and alteration of natural channels. At the same time, the current procedure for dismantling ownerless structures that obstruct the free flow of rivers is complex and lengthy, which complicates the restoration of river ecosystems and the achievement of environmental goals set out in river basin management plans.